(Newser)
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Peter Jackson has resolved his lawsuit with New Line and plans to helm two much-hyped Hobbit films, the first due out in 2010, according to an Entertainment Weekly interview with MGM chief Harry Sloan. Jackson will co-write and may direct one or both films—unless he and New Line's Bob Shaye pick someone else. "I don’t want to tell you what’s legally in the contract, but we wouldn’t" hire an outside director.

The Hollywood scribe strike must be settled before Jackson can team up with screenwriters, Sloan said, and a potential actors' walkout could also slow the projects. Sloan ducked naming possible stars, but admitted that Jackson has stayed in touch with Lord of the Rings troupers. "I think we’d be hopeful that some would reappear," Sloan said.